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Microchips are a great way to make sure your pet is permanently identified in the event it gets loose.

What is it? It is a microchip enclosed in a capsule about the size of a grain of rice. It transmits a number that can be detected by a chip scanner found at veterinary clinics and shelters. This number is registered via a variety of websites to a particular owner. Once you have a pet’s microchip number and company, the owner can be contacted to reunite a lost pet and owner.

Is it a GPS tracking device? No! The chip simply transmits the number, but present day microchips have no GPS capability. That’s why it’s important to maintain your pet’s registration with the microchip company.

Does having your pet microchipped really help you get him back if he gets lost? Yes! The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has published a study that found microchipped cats went home 38.5% of the time (vs 1.8% for unmicrochipped cats) and microchipped dogs were reunited 52.2% of the time (vs 21.9% of unmicrochipped dogs). Keeping your information current with the microchip company will help ensure your pet goes home!

How is a microchipped placed? The microchip can be implanted at a regular office visit. It is placed with a hypodermic (below the skin) needle. Most pets respond the same as they would a regular vaccination or shot. Surgery or anesthesia is not required although that is a great time to get it done.

If you are interested in getting your pet microchipped, we can do it! Call 573-875-3647 for an appointment.